Design and development of rapid and environment friendly conditioner for cashew nut processing

Conventional hot air conditioning of cashew kernels before peeling is a time-consuming operation causing environmental pollution. The aim of this research study was to design and develop a rapid and environment-friendly cashew kernel conditioner and study the quality of the conditioned cashew kernels. Infrared heating was found suitable for rapid conditioning of cashew kernels, based on which a rapid conditioning machine was designed and developed. Drying kinetics study revealed that developed conditioner was suitable for rapid cashew kernel conditioning. Diffusivity values for conventional hot air and developed conditioning were found as 1.80 × 10⁻¹⁰ and 1.96 × 10⁻⁹ m²/s, respectively. Sensory evaluation study revealed no significant differences (p < .05) among differently conditioned cashew kernel samples. The well-insulated conditioner was energy efficient (77.78%) and its operation had no harmful impact on the environment.

Practical applications

Developed infrared cashew kernel conditioner was found suitable for rapid cashew kernel conditioning. It is environmental friendly and energy efficient in operation. This developed conditioning machine would meet the requirement of cashew nut processing industries as suitable replacement of conventional hot air dryers. Processing time would get reduced significantly and the compact design would allow to accommodate the machine in less floor space. Developed machine is easy to operate for anyone with basic technical knowledge.